.svg)
Get ready to celebrate the independence of Burkina Faso on August 5 with a burst of energy and excitement! This day marks the country's liberation from French colonial rule in 1960, making it a relatively young nation. But don't let its age fool you – Burkina Faso has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its vibrant music, colorful markets, and delicious cuisine. So join in the festivities and learn more about this beautiful West African country as we celebrate its freedom and progress on this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>French Colonization Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, became a French protectorate after the military defeat of local chiefs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Uprising Against French Rule</div><div class='timeline-text'>A widespread rebellion against French rule began among the local population, lasting until 1958.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1958</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Almost Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Upper Volta became an autonomous republic within the French community.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Achieved</div><div class='timeline-text'>On August 5, 1960, the Republic of Upper Volta gained full independence from France.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Name Changed to Burkina Faso</div><div class='timeline-text'>The country's name was changed to Burkina Faso, which translates as 'Land of the Upright People'.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Burkina Faso's Independence Day is annually celebrated on August 5 with various festivities and cultural events.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional dance party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family and throw a party featuring traditional Burkinabe dance and music. This is a great way to celebrate the culture and history of Burkina Faso.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check local event listings and attend a parade or festival celebrating Burkina Faso Independence Day. You can enjoy traditional food, music, and performances while learning more about the country's history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook a traditional Burkinabe meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research traditional dishes from Burkina Faso and try your hand at cooking them. Invite friends over to share in the meal and learn more about the country's cuisine.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film about Burkina Faso</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn more about Burkina Faso's history and culture by watching a documentary or film about the country. This can be a great way to celebrate while also gaining a deeper understanding of the country.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local Burkinabe community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If there is a Burkinabe community in your area, consider visiting and learning more about their traditions and celebrations for Independence Day. You may even get to try some authentic Burkinabe food!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the country's history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Burkina Faso Independence Day is a day to honor the country's past, its struggles for independence, and its unique traditions and customs. It gives people the opportunity to come together and celebrate their heritage with pride.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity among citizens</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This national holiday is a reminder of how far Burkina Faso has come as a country, and it serves as a way for people from different backgrounds and regions to come together in celebration. It helps foster a sense of unity and camaraderie among citizens.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It showcases the country's accomplishments</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day is also an opportunity for Burkina Faso to showcase its progress and achievements as a nation. From economic growth to advancements in education and healthcare, this holiday allows the country to reflect on its successes and look towards a bright future.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Pioneers of African Cinema" Originated from Burkina Faso</h3><p class='facts-content'>Burkina Faso is known as the "home of African cinema." Many successful African filmmakers, such as Gaston Kaboré and Idrissa Ouédraogo, hail from Burkina Faso, contributing significantly to African cinema. The annual Pan African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is the largest of its kind in Africa.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Caravan of Liberty was a Significant Event</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Caravan of Liberty was the symbolic journey made by militants from Koudougou to Ouagadougou (the capital) during the declaration of independence on August 5, 1960. This event is recognized as a profound national pride and remembered with reverence on Independence Day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Thomas Sankara, "The African Che Guevara"</h3><p class='facts-content'>Burkina Faso had been led by several leaders post-independence, but Thomas Sankara, often considered the African Che Guevara, stands out. He changed the country's name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (the Land of the Upright Men) and initiated progressive policies, although his rule was controversial and ended in his assassination.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Burkina Faso has a Richly Diverse Ethnic Composition</h3><p class='facts-content'>Burkina Faso is known for its ethnic plurality. There are over 60 ethnic groups within its borders, including the Mossi, Fulani, and Bobo, each with their unique cultural traditions and languages - a hallmark of the country's rich heritage that's celebrated during the Independence Day festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Independence Was Achieved Peacefully</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike many colonies, Burkina Faso achieved independence from France on August 5, 1960, through a peaceful transition rather than a war. This attribute is acknowledged and celebrated on the Independence Day, reflecting the peace-loving nature of its people.</p></div></div>
Burkina Faso Independence Day is celebrated on August 5 every year. In 2024, Burkina Faso Independence Day will fall on a Monday.
2023
Aug 5
Saturday
2024
Aug 5
Monday
2025
Aug 5
Tuesday
2026
Aug 5
Wednesday
2027
Aug 5
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
